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Home , Birdwatching, Cotentin Peninsula, Jobourg, Tatihou

European Nightjar European S A J J M Middle Spotted Woodpecker Spotted Middle D N O S A J J M A M F J

Lapwing D N O S A J J M A M F J Black Woodpecker Black J D N O S A J J M A M F

Red Knot Red S M A M F J Wigeon D N M F J

Black-legged Kittiwake Black-legged J J M A J D Whinchat O S A J J M A

Common Kingfisher Common D N O S A J J M A M F J Whimbrel A J M A

Hobby S A J J M A Wheatear O S A J J M A

Purple Heron Purple O S A J J M Sedge Warbler Sedge A J J M A

Sparrow Hawk Sparrow D N O S A J J M A M F J Savi’s Warbler Savi’s S A J J M A

Montagu’s Harrier Montagu’s S A J J M A Reed Warbler Reed S A J J M A

Marsh Harrier Marsh D N O S A J J M A M F J Dartford Warbler Dartford D N O S A J J M A M F J

Hen Harrier Hen D N O S A J J M A M F J Cetti’s Warbler Cetti’s D N O S A J J M A M F J

Mediterranean Gull Mediterranean A J A M F J Aquatic Warbler Aquatic O S A

Guillemot D N O M F J Yellow Wagtail Yellow S A J J M A

Greenshank S A J M A Turnstone D N O S A J J M A M F J

Slavonian Slavonian D N M F J Short-toed Treecreeper Short-toed D N O S A J J M A M F J

Little Grebe Little D N O S A J J M A M F J Bearded Tit Bearded D N O S A A M F J

Great Crested Grebe Crested Great D N O S A J J M A M F J Sandwich Sandwich S A J J M A M

Black-necked Grebe Black-necked D N M F J Common S A J J M A

Greylag Goose Greylag D N O M F J Black Tern Black O S A M A

Greater White-fronted Goose White-fronted Greater D N O M F J Teal D N O S A A M F J

Brent Goose Brent N O M F J White White A J J M A M

Black-tailed Godwit Black-tailed D A M A M F J Stonechat D N O S A J J M A M F J

Bar-tailed Godwit Bar-tailed M A M Little Stint Little D S A M A M F J

Garganey S A J J M A Spoonbill S A J J M

Northern Gannet Northern D N O S A J J Jack O S M A

Gadwall D N O S M F J Common Snipe Common D N O S A M F J

Fulmar J M A M F J Red-backed Shrike Red-backed S A J J M A

Peregrine Falcon Peregrine D N O S A J J M A M F J Shoveler D N O S A A M F J

Eider D N O M F J Common Shelduck Common D N O S A J J M A M F J

Little Egret Little D N O S A J J M A M F J Balearic Shearwater Balearic D N O F J

Great White Egret White Great D N O S A J M F J European Shag European D N O S A J J M A M F J

Dunlin D N O S M F J Velvet Scoter Velvet D N F J

Tufted Tufted D N O S A M F J Black Scoter Black D N F J

Turtle Dove Turtle S A J J M A Wood Sandpiper Wood S A J M A

Stock Dove Stock D N O S A J J M A M F J Green Sandpiper Green S A J

Red throated Diver throated Red D N O M F J Common Sandpiper Common O S A J M A

Great Northern Diver Northern Great D N O M F J Ruff D N S A A M

Black Throated Diver Throated Black D N O M F J Spotted Redshank Spotted D N O S A A M F J

Curlew D N O S A J A M F J Redshank D N S A M F J

Cuckoo J M A Razorbill D N O M F J

Spotted Crake Spotted S A Water Water D N O S A J J M A M F J

Great Great D N O S A J J M A M F J Pochard D N O S A M F J

Common Coot Common D N O S A J J M A M F J Little Ringed Plover Ringed Little S A J M A

Zitting Cisticola Zitting D N O S A J J M A M F J Grey Plover Grey D N O A M F J

Honey Buzzard Honey

S A J J M

Golden Plover Golden D N O A M F

J Boulogne-sur-Mer

Snow Bunting Snow D N F J

Rock Pipit Rock D N O S A J J M A M F Plymouth J

Cirl Bunting Cirl D N O S A J J M A M F J Pintail A M F J

Bluethroat S A J J M A Eurasian Oystercatcher Eurasian D N O S A M F J

Great Bittern Great D N O S A M F J Long-eared Long-eared D N O S A J J M A M F J

Avocet A M Golden Oriole Golden A J J M A

Species to discover Best observations Best discover to Species Species to discover Best observations Best discover to Species

Marshlands, MARAIS DU COTENTIN ET DU BESSIN PARC NATUREL RÉGIONAL Poole Portsmouth between two coastlines… Cap de Amiens

Aurigny Rosslare Cherbourg Pointe de Barfleur

Guernesey Diélette Ile

Portsmouth le Havre Barneville- Birdwatching spots Serq Carteret Baie

des Veys Portsmouth Rouen Isigny-sur-Mer Omaha Beach Bayeux Ouistreham Special offer ! Caen 1 free entrance for 1 paying visit Saint-Lô Paris-Cherbourg at Maison du Parc Iles Visitors centre - Birdwatching area Granville N O R M A N D I E Poole - Portsmouth Paris Saint-Malo Baie du Mont-St-Michel Brest Paris-Granville

Caen-Rennes

Sortie Chartres Cherbourg 45’ St-Côme-du-Mont Ste-Marie-du-Mont Quimper t S -Côme-du-Mont Utah-Beach Rennes D 913

Maison du Parc

Lorient Caen 60’ CARENTANLe Mans

D 971 Orléans Maison du Parc naturel régional Coutances des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Angers 3 village Ponts d’Ouve 50500 SAINT-CÔME-DU-MONT (near Carentan) Tel. 00 33 (0)2 33 71 65 30 - Fax. 00 33 (0)2 33 71 65 31 Nantes 49.32122 - 1,26516 / N49°18.4242’, W1°09.7038’ From Easter to the end Toursof September open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. [email protected] From October to Easter www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr Open daily except on Mondays from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. (birdwatching area closed 2 weeks from the end of september). Annual closing from the end of December www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr to the beginning of January. N O R M A N D Y

des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin - juillet 2010 -

Crédits photo : Pnr des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin, S. Cavailles, W. Courbot (PNRMCB), GONm, A. Hannok, G. Hédouin (PNRMCB), S. Provost (GONm) GREAT BRITAIN - 1 - Phare de Gatteville Maison du Parc The lighthouse in Gatteville, 20 km east of Cherbourg in the north-east corner of the , is the second highest lighthouse in with a height of 74,85 metres. The area is also one of the best seawatching «L’espace naturel sensible des Ponts d’Ouve» is a spot designed by the Parc naturel régional. A one- localities in , not just on account of the diversity of species observed here, kilometre-long nature trail, equipped with entertaining and instructive information kiosks, winding buthjgbhghkgkjgkjgkj because many pass so close inshore. The best time to admire the is when a through a landscape of wetlands, will leads you to the edge of a body of water where observatories have strong northeasterly wind is blowing, particularly between September and December. been installed for the discovery of marsh birds in their natural environment. Three species of Divers, the Northern Gannet, Sooty and Balearic Shearwaters, Skuas, (including Black), Little and Sabine’s Gulls, the Little Auk can be seen passing Gatteville’s Lighthouse April is a reliable month to observe most of waders as Ruff on the offshore. In addition, various migrant appear in the bushes and fields of the site, and offers many chances to meet the Bluethroat, the Savi’s surrounding countryside in autumn. In winter the Purple Sandpiper can be found in the rocks and it is the good Warbler and the Garganey. The management of the site favours the Body of water period to look for the Shore Lark, the Lapland and the Snow Bunting, in the dunes around the “Etang de Gattemare”, reproduction of numerous waterbirds such as the , Red-throated Diver westward to the lighthouse. the Mallard and sometimes the Shoveler and the Garganey. Bluethroat Access : From Cherbourg take the D116 towards Gatteville (25 km). Turn left onto the D10. Then keep going towards the lighthouse (le Phare). In August, the Spotted Crake which is the star species of the site, can be seen at the edge of the From take the D902 to , and then turn left onto the D901/Rue de la Halle and turn right onto the D116 to Gatteville (2.5 km), body of water. It’s also a good period to see the Bluethroat and waders. Then from September and turn right and keep going to the lighthouse. for the whole wintry period, the site is wonderful for the numerous migrants which settle there. To see also : Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, on the east side of the Cotentin peninsula, forms the northern limit of the low sandy coast. The “Cap de Access : Caen-Cherbourg - N 13 road (near Carentan). Exit Saint-Côme-du-Mont - Sainte- la Hague” at the far west corner of the Cotentin peninsula is of great interest for birdwatching and present very good spots as Nez-Bayard, Marie-du-Mont - Utah Beach. Nez-de-Voidries, Nez-de-Jobourg. Maison du Parc et Espace de découverte des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin 3 village Ponts d’Ouve - 50500 Saint-Côme-du-Mont Spotted Crake - 2 - Domaine de Beauguillot

Free admission at the tourist centre : documentation and advice for visiting the area of the Parc naturel régional : hiking in all its forms, This nature reserve of 500 ha is recognized as nationally important for hosting large numbers of waterbirds that stop over or winter here. discovery paths, nature excursions, the fauna and flora, the museums and cultural sights, the tourist circuits, the crafts and local products, Facilities allow to visit the spot by yourself. Situated on the edge of the seaside, the site is characterized by the presence of fresh water and accommodation and restoration. Are also available for visitors : a shop, a picnic area and car park. Access for persons with reduced mobility salt water. all the way to the main observatory. Paying access to the birdwatching area. The “Domaine de Beauguillot” lies close to the “Baie des Veys” which is a vast zone of mudflats privileged for migratory avifauna. Thousands of and waders stop there for all the winter. The number of birds - 8- Havre de Saint-Germain-sur-Ay on the domain is considerable : we can watch the Lapwing, the Mallard, the Common Shelduck, the Coot, the Moorhen, the , the Eurasian Oystercatcher, the Grey plover, the Curlew, the Dunlin, the It’s a rare landscape of salt meadows flooded by the at high tide. Pintail, the Shoveler, the Ringed Plover, the Little Stint, the Red Knot, the Bar-tailed Godwit, the Teal, the Wigeon, the Herring Gull, the Mew Gull, the Sandwich Tern, the Greylag Goose, the Brent Salt marshes are littoral habitats whith a very specific flora and fauna. Goose…and birds of prey such as Peregrine and Marsh Harrier. The haven of Ay is one of the biggest and wildest in the west coast of Curlew Cotentin. The entrance of the sea which fills it during the equinox tides is Access : Via Sainte-Marie-du-Mont by the D913/Rue du Général Eisenhower which runs from an unforgettable show. The Harbor Seal, who frequents the sandy coasts, Havre de Saint-Germain-sur-Ay Carentan, keep going until Utah Beach, then turn right and after 1.5 km the car park of the “Domaine de Beauguillot” is the left. is occasionally present along the west coast. The Grey Seal, typical of the rocky coasts is rarer. To see also : The “Baie des Veys” offers many opportunities to spot flocks of migratory birds. Shoveler When havens are flooded during high tide and - 3 - Pointe du Hoc in low tide in certain waterways, aquatic birds, mostly fish-eating, can be observed. The most Cap de la In the early hours of June 6th, the “Pointe du Hoc” was taken by assault by the Rangers frequent species are the Great Crested Grebe, Hague 1 of Colonel Rudder during the . In this place, the Germans had the Little Grebe, the Great cormorant, the established the fortifications, at the edge of 30-metre-cliffs. On the 225 Rangers who Grey Heron, the Little Egret, the Red-breasted landed on this place, about 80 were killed there. The “Pointe du Hoc” was bequeathed Merganser, the Little Gull and terns. The low Cherbourg to the United States in January, 1979. Brent Geese tide enables waders (Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Falaises du Bessin Dunlin, Curlew, and Bar-tailed Godwit), Gulls and Common Shelduck to feed on tidal Today the “Pointe du Hoc” is also a reserve followed by the “Groupe reservoirs. Ornithologique Normand”. ’s largest Kittiwake colony is sited here on the cliffs, and other nesting species including the Fulmar, the Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls, the Stock Dove and the Dartford Warbler which nest in the undergrowth of The Brent Goose, the Ringed Plover, the Ruddy Turnstone and the Eurasian Oystercatcher gorses. are species which regularly winter here. 2 3 The maritime zone is of interest for the numerous and Kittiwake Access : The “Havre de Saint-Germain-sur-Ay” lies on the western coast of the Cotentin Maison du Parc waterbirds which winter there, and several species are well peninsula. Drive via along the D211 and then turn left onto the D652. After 1.5 represented such as the Red-breasted Merganser, the Great Crested Grebe, the Razorbill, Red- Saint-Côme-du-Mont Carentan km, turn left on the D378/D650. After 600 metres turn right on the Route du Haut Dy. Isigny-sur-Mer throated and Black-throated Divers. During the migratory period between August and December After 600 metres turn left and keep going on the minor 4 many birds can be seen from there. road which leads to a car park. Access : From Grandcamp-Maisy take the D514 eastwards which leads you to a roundabout after 2 JERSEY Lessay km. At the roundabout, turn left and follow the signs towards the “Pointe du Hoc”. To see also : The other havens that lie on the western 8 coast of the Cotentin peninsula, especially the “Havre 7 5 To see also : The “Pointe du Hoc” is the western extremity of 8 km-long cliff (the Falaise du Bessin de Regnéville” which is a good spot for the discovery of the subspecies Light-bellied Occidental). This cliff provides other possibilities for birdwatching. Brent Goose with almost white underparts which comes from the very north of America and Greenland to winter here. At the extreme western end of Normandy, the Saint-Lô - 4 - Maison des Ormes famous “Baie du Mont-St.-Michel is of interest throughout the year. Coutances The lock keeper’s house “La Maison des Ormes” is located at the junction between -et-Taute canal and the Taute river, in the middle of the Carentan’s marshes. Besides its historic charm, the site is also a very good place to appreciate the atmosphere offered by swampland areas. From March we can observe here the first migratory birds such as the first Swallows or the Bluethroat for example. -7- Lande du Camp From April till july the breeding birds such as the Sedge Warbler, the Yellow Wagtail, the Meadow Pipit, the Winchat, the Grasshopper Warbler, the Reed Bunting, the Marsh Warbler, the Lapwing, the Curlew, the can be observed. You may also see the Marsh Harrier gliding The “Lande du Camp” extends over a surface of above the grasslands. 113 ha and is he property of the Conservatoire du Granville Littoral. It is one of the last open heathlands from It’s also here the best spot to hear the Great Bittern singing between February and a vast set called the “Landes de Lessay”. Like quite June. That breeds in the numerous surrounding reed beds, for that reason, it is many oceanic heathlands, it is dominated by shrubs Lande du Camp very difficult to see it. such as heathers and gorses which develop on a In addition to the pleasure of strolling along the edge of the water the place enables poor and acid ground. 6 us to observe White which fly around in circles not far from there or a Kingfisher This is a very attractive place for butterflies such as Large Chequered Skippers which are common, the abundant which suddenly appears to immediately disappears behind a reed bed. Silver-studded Blues or the globally threatened Alcon Blue, which is the subject of special conservation Baie du management in the area. Mt st-Michel Here you can expect to see birds such as the Crested Tit amongst Access : From Carentan drive across Saint-Hilaire-Petitville and take the N174 in the Great Bittern White Stork conifers, the Dartford Warbler, the Linnet, the Stonechat, the direction of Saint-Lô. After 5 km turn right at the crossroad “Le Rata”. Then keep Yellowhammer, the Meadow Pipit, the Buzzard and if you are lucky, going for 2 km before turning to your right in the direction of “Le Cap”. Then keep going on this road which leads to a little car park near the the Honey Buzzard overhead. canal Vire et Taute. Also accessible on foot or by bike via Saint-Hilaire-Petitville along the Taute river. The Nightjar, present on the site, is a rarely observed bird which sings to the twilight and eats moths. It is very difficult to track down in the To see also : The Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Regional Nature Park covers an area of 145,000 acres including 25,000 of wetland European Nightjar daytime, because of the camouflage of its in tints of dead zones. Many birds take advantage of this area, starting with the nearly 65 pairs of White Storks which breed in the Park. leaves or bark.

Access : From Lessay take the D2 towards Coutances and after 1 km turn left on Rue du Hotot. Then keep going - 5 - Forêt de Cerisy until you see the signs “La Lande du Camp” on your left. A footh path allows to walk around the site. Between Bayeux and Saint-Lô, the state-owned forest of Cerisy is 2129 ha big. It is the biggest To see also : The “Landes de Lessay” is a vast flat area with poor vegetation, it is situated in the South of Lessay. forested nature reserve of lowland. This Atlantic beech wood, typical of Western forests of France, It is covered with gorses, heather and with short plants. It covers approximately 5 000 ha. was classified reserve since 1976 owing to the presence of an unique and very particular subspecie of beetle : The carabe with gold images (Chrysocarabus auronitens cupreonitens). The methods of - 6 - Falaises de Carolles forestry were adapted to guarantee the conservation of this endemic beetle. Because it winters in stumps and in soil, management plan for preservation proscribed any job of the soil as well as the digging out of the cut trees Forêt de Cerisy The cliffs at Carolles, backed by heathland and traditional farmland, reach 60 metres stumps. The dead trees are left standing. in height and are one of the best places in Europe to witness large numbers of birds on The forest of Cerisy is of great interest for the entomologists with the presence of remarkable butterflies. It’s also diurnal migration from the north and east. Between late August and November, hundreds possible there to catch sight of cervids such as Deers and Roe Deers, but also Wild Boars, Badgers and Foxes. of thousands of passerines as the Chaffinch, the Starling, the Meadow Pipit, the Linet, the Song Thrush… and also various waders, birds of prey migrate through the area. With good Concerning birdwatching, the Black Woodpecker can be found here and occasionally the Middle Spotted Woodpecker. conditions, the first hours after dawn are the most productive and provide excitement by Both are sought-after species which are associated with older trees. It would also be the right place for the observation offering a constant stream of birds which often pass through at eye level. Seabirds like of the Short-toed Treecreeper. The woodland area hosts birds such as the Buzzard, the Sparrow Hawk, the Honey Scoters, the Cormorant, the Shag, Terns, the Little Gull, the Guillemot, the Razorbill, Skuas Black Woodpecker Buzzard, the Hobby, the Long-eared Owl, the Redstart, the Wood Warbler, the Willow Warbler, the Tree Pipit, the Redstart and the Balearic Shearwater can also be seen from the cliffs. and many other birds which are typical of the woodlands of northern France. In spring, the healthland and farmland back from the cliffs are frequented by typical species of this habitat such as the Melodious Warbler, the Dartford Warbler, the Cirl Bunting, the Access : From Saint-Lô, take the D972 towards Bayeux and keep going to the large roundabout (Rond point de l’embranchement) located in Cabane Vauban Yellowhammer… . the forest. When you arrive at the roundabout, it’s easy to find a car park. From Bayeux, take the D572 toward Saint-Lô and keep going to the Rond point de l’embranchement. From Isigny-sur-Mer, take the D5 towards Le Molay-Littry, and then take the D10 and keep going to the Rond Access : From Granville via the coast road D911, cross the village of Carolles, and turn right following the signs towards point de l’embranchement. the Cabane Vauban and after 750 meters, park in the car park. Then take the footpath towards the sea to reach the Cabane Vauban (northwards) which is a shelter overlooking the cliffs. To see also : hedgerow landsape areas which are widespread in Basse-Normandie give many possibilities for birdwatching.